Applying Computer Networks in practice: case studies

This week’s topics

Applying Computer Networks in practice: case studies

1. Case analysis
2. Linking theory to practice
3. Evaluating evidence

What you will be able to do

• 1.3 Analyse protocols and protocol suites.
• 2.3 Analyse the security measures used to secure communication across computer networks.
• 2.4 Evaluate mobile and wireless connection protocols and technologies.
• 3.2 Analyse different network topologies and their role in disparate communication settings.
• 3.4 Evaluate the best choice of network hardware for a given network.

Activity

Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Case-study workshop: apply the unit’s concepts to a real or realistic case and evaluate the outcome.

Study materials

Videos

• Cloud computing · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students
• Cloud Computing Explained · YouTube · PowerCert Animated Videos · 9 min · for registered students
• Cloud Explained in 5 Minutes · YouTube · TechWorld with Nana · 5 min · for registered students
• What is Cloud Storage? · YouTube · IBM Technology · 9 min · for registered students

Further resources

• NIST SP 800-145: The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing · PDF · NIST SP 800-145 (2011), the standard short definition: 5 characteristics, SaaS/PaaS/IaaS, deployment models; 7 pp. · for registered students
• Foundations of Information Systems, 7.1–7.2: Cloud computing and services · PDF · OpenStax Foundations of Information Systems (2025), 7.1–7.2: cloud fundamentals, service models, pricing and deployment, pp. 254–266 · for registered students
• Above the clouds: a Berkeley view of cloud computing · Open-access article · Armbrust et al. (2009), UC Berkeley EECS (basis of 'A view of cloud computing', CACM 2010). The widely cited plain-English explanation of cloud computing. · for registered students
• Designing mobile money services: lessons from M-PESA · Open-access article · Mas & Morawczynski (2009), Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization. How Kenya's M-PESA mobile money service was designed and why it succeeded. · for registered students